Too old for sailing?

[Jimmyhenry]

I’m 71. Just spent a season 6 months in Tonga. Just now crewed a friends boat back from Fiji. Next month my son and deliver a cat to Tonga via Minerva Reefs.
Not giving up.

[Aeroade]

Bill Hatfield 78 just completed solo westabout circumnavigation via the Horn. Planned non stop but had to pull into Stanley due damage. His blog “l’eau commotion” a Northshore 38.

[Judyfood]

I am 69 and a professional delivery and charter skipper. GO!

[JoeM128]

I’m reminded of a story I heard as a kid that is much more relevant to me now. A 55 year old man shard with his doctor that he always regretted not going to medical school. The doctor asked why he didn’t go do it now. “I’ll be 65 by the time im done” was his reply. The doctor then asked “ if you don’t go to medical school how old will you be in 10 years”

I say go. Take all the safety precautions and labor reducing measures recommended in here and live you life.

Joe M
64 YO

[chuckr]

For the past couple of days worked with a guy who is 75y/o getting ready to leave with his wife (about the same age) headed from Israel to the Black Sea to sail a lot of it. We did the Black Sea in 2016 so were able to give him a lot of insight. Of course I am younger than he is at 74 y/o


then again who is counting

[p435]

@Flightdeck


Start NOW, the earlier the better. We will take off this May and I am 67.


Second recommendation I have: Get and keep yourself in good physical shape with daily (90%) physical exercises on board. I do such a program since 5 years now and feel pretty well in shape. If you want to know more, feel free to ask.

[gonesail]

Originally Posted by fuentes

Age is just a number. Be active and stay away from doctors and medication . Get out there and do physical work.

exactly keep moving and don't let the old man in !! leave the ski slopes for the youngsters. I will be going smaller than your shannon 38. be thankful that you woke up this morning and keep on smiling thru the rain.

[barnakiel]

If you are a sailor already then there is no age limit. Sure thing we all get less young as we get older and this limits our ability to handle things BUT you can always adjust your sailing habits and adjust the boat to be more friendly for the older sailor.


Last but not least - if you exercise (jogging, pushup, bike, gym, swimm, etc) on a regular basis then you do increase your chances of sailing long into years. Mind that sailing by itself is not a very sporty sport, but you can do a lot for your body before and after every escapade.


Never give up. Always adjust.



Cheers,
b.

[Don C L]

how old is too old to have fun?

[mabowers]

I really like the line from the song "Don't Let the Old Man In", " Ask yourself how old you'd be
If you didn't know the day you were born"

[loneshark64]

Originally Posted by Flightdeck

I am 68 yrs old

I bought my boat last year from a guy who was 88. He has decided he was pushing his luck with the sailing. Still skis though.

So, it sounds like you've got 20 years.

[nycswashbuckler]

When I met my cap, he was 86 years old. Two years later he bought a bigger boat, since he had found a reliable mate in me. He is now 99 years old and we still go daysailing together. He is sharp as a tack, but his balance got now so bad that he decided to sell his vessel. Accidentally, on the day I see this post, he will sign the contract. The new owner is 65 years old.
A lot of wise (and some not so wise) words in this thread here. I personally think the question is answered like you would do it as a prudent sailor:
- Adjust the situation you'll find yourself in to your personal limits. If you are getting weaker and stiff, singlehanding the Southern Ocean might be a bad idea. If you need additional handholds, mount some. Create sensible oportunities instead of failing with force.
- Find your limits in a joyful challenge to yourself, but don't push beyond them. The right attitude can move mountains, but also tells you when it is enough. Don't be too proud to accept help.
I could go on forever, but I think one can deduct a lot from this.

[MrChris]

I think you are far too old and should sell me your boat for my next adventure, but give it to me cheap because i am 70.